thoughts on motherhood

“[Woman is surrounded] with very young children, who require to be taught not so much anything as everything. Babies need not to be taught a trade, but to be introduced to a world. To put the matter shortly, woman is generally shut up in a house with a human being at the time when he asks all the questions that there are, and some that there aren’t….”

 “[W]hen people begin to talk about this domestic duty as not merely difficult but trivial and dreary, I simply give up the question. For I cannot with the utmost energy of imagination conceive what they mean. When domesticity, for instance, is called drudgery, all the difficulty arises from a double meaning in the word. If drudgery only means dreadfully hard work, I admit the woman drudges in the home, as a man might drudge [at his work]. But if it means that the hard work is more heavy because it is trifling, colorless and of small import to the soul, then as I say, I give it up; I do not know what the words mean…. I can understand how this might exhaust the mind, but I cannot imagine how it could narrow it. How can it be a large career to tell other people’s children [arithmetic], and a small career to tell one’s own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? No; a woman’s function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute. I will pity Mrs. Jones for the hugeness of her task; I will never pity her for its smallness."

 G.K. Chesterton

fashion and the Savior

Attended a wedding today. Beautiful ceremony. Adorable couple. Christ was honored during the message. Great food at the reception. Enjoyable conversations. But still I left the event with a sadden heart. Why? Because I knew what a struggle it was for my husband and son to be surrounded with immodesty the entire evening. Ladies, we need to seriously consider our heart motives in the way we dress. 

Taken from Girl Talk.

As we stand in front of the dressing room mirror or our closet at home, John Calvin, the great reformer, has two questions for us. In short, he wonders, what do our clothes say about our relationship to God? “Where is our gratefulness toward God for our clothing if in the sumptuousness of our apparel we both admire ourselves and despise others, if with its elegance and glitter we prepare ourselves for shameless conduct?”

and

 “Where is our recognition of God if our minds be fixed upon the splendor of our apparel? For many so enslave all their senses to delights that the mind lies overwhelmed.” (HT: Justin Taylor)

 In other words, what brazen ungratefulness is expressed if we proudly admire ourselves for the clothing God has provided, if we dress to attract the attention and admiration of others instead of drawing their attention to God, and worst of all, if we dress to “allure men sexually?” What kind of “thank you” is this to God for His good gift of attractive, comfortable, and warm clothing? And how can our minds be fixed upon the goodness and the glory of God if they are consumed with thoughts of what we wear? If we are preoccupied with the latest fashions, which (like the grass) will be here today and gone tomorrow, how can we worship and love the eternal Savior with all our minds?

Here are some excellent links to start you thinking on the subject.

The Soul of Modesty Fashion and the Savior

a little girl in a church pew

I am sure few people heard her. Maybe those who did hear found it a bit annoying. A little girl in a church pew, holding a hymnal, singing her heart out to God. But she wasn't singing the same words as everyone else. Words like Daddy, Mommy, boy, were coming out in unusual patterns, along with sounds that could not be made into words. She sang quite loud. Her smile was contagious. She didn't seem to mind that she was singing her own kind of song. She was praising God.

To those around it may have not seemed significant. Others would not have understood. I watched that little girl sing with tears burning in the corners of my eyes. I know the story. You see, that little girl is my daughter.

As I watch her sing, my mind is flooded with memories. A little girl who didn't know how to nurse when she was born. Hours of syringe feedings, coaxing that little mouth to learn to eat. A little girl who wore a bib until she was over two years old because of constant drool. A little girl who had to labor so hard to form her first sounds. The hours poured into making her first word possible. A little girl who looks to her mommy for help when someone asks her what her name is because she hasn't yet learned how to say it. A little girl who sits quietly in her Sunday School class and cannot participate in the conversations the children are having around her.

It's hard. People give her strange looks. Children don't always understand and they say rude comments to her. "What's wrong with you?" "Why don't you talk?" Her face falls. I fight back tears. I want to protect her from all the hurt, yet I know I can't. So we point her to Christ.

My husband and I tell her about our wonderful Savior who made her just the way she is to bring Him glory. We teach her how the world isn't as it should be because of sin and sometimes our bodies just don't work like they should. We teach her that she has a sinful heart and needs a Savior to give her a new heart. We teach her that one day Christ will return and set all things right. We tell her that He has a wonderful plan for her life and when she is finally able to form her words, she will be able to tell others about Jesus Christ,who saves people from their sins.

God is the giver of grace. We know that this ongoing trial in our lives is for our good and will make us become more like Christ. He is good and we praise Him for our sweet little girl.

We still have a long road ahead until our little girl can speak well. In the meantime, we tell her it's okay to sing the words she knows. Sing them loud!

I really am a terrible mother

"On the days that it feels like I am a terrible mom or a spectacular mom, I must remind myself that my identity is not tied up in my mothering. The truth is I am a terrible mom; this is why I need a Savior. My heavenly Father has made the sacrifice to cover my nakedness and shame. Just as he was faithful to strip Adam and Eve of their silly fig leaves, sacrifice the life of another to clothe them with real clothing; He is faithful to strip me of false identity and cloth me in the righteousness of Jesus. When I am resting in his work, I am free to love my kids the way I've been loved. He does not love me based on my performance, but rather, based on the performance of my Savoir. Because of that truth, I can love my children freely and joyfully. I can rejoice in the full, steadfast love of my Heavenly Father and share that happiness with all those around me."

from "Give Them Grace" blog by Elyse Fitzpatrick and her daughter, Jessica Thompson

Read the entire post here.

update

It's been a long time. It's been 5 weeks. How terrible!

We have been keeping such a full schedule with school, church, and newborn photos. Things are finally starting to slow down some.

Grazzin just finished his basketball season with the homeschool group. The boys had a great time playing together and our family got to watch a few local games. Wyatt kept things interesting since he's at the stage where all he wants to do is run. Who would even think to sit on a chair when the boys are running around on the court with a ball? Not sure that anyone noticed, but this mom got to see very little of the games. Kinda sad but little chubby will be grown before I know it and I will miss this stage!

Mia is doing great in school. When we do her spelling lists, I finger spell the words for her, she does the sounds, and writes the word without seeing it on paper first. Lately I haven't even been finger spelling because as soon as I say the word, she says, "Mom, I already know how to spell that. I saw it in my book." Yeah! I hope she continues to love to spell and read. Just as a side note : those who are around me alot know how much I love our phonics/spelling program called Spell to Write and Read. I am happy to report that it will be making its way to Honduras next month with a friend of ours to help teach Spanish children the English language! WOW! I am SO excited. Kinda wish I could go!

We are learning about anatomy in Science this year and it's been fascinating to learn about the human body through a biblical perspective. (I think I learn more than the kids on most days.) We have a wonderful Creator!

Kaci is working hard on her speech and we go to class twice a week. Her teacher is wonderful and we love her. It's going to be hard to tell her goodbye in May. Since we homeschool, Kaci will no longer be able to attend speech classes at Barr-Reeve once she begins kindergarten. Not sure yet how school is going to look for her since she still cannot speak well but we are going to do whatever it takes to help this precious little girl of ours. I have to fight the tears many times when I see her try and just cannot get the words out. I hate that our world is fallen! But one day, ONE DAY, Christ is going to return and set all things right!

Our little chunky is all over the place. We love him so much! He wants to be outdoors at all times. As soon as he eats breakfast, he gets his shoes and stands by the back door. He's going to love summer! He is trying to say a few words so it's looking hopeful that he won't have the same issues as Kaci.

Taj is doing well. He's currently working on his Masters online (in the field of biblical counseling) I don't know how he gets it all done. He never stresses about the deadlines and always continues to keep the laughter level high in our home. Mia informed me the other day that I am just not funny like Dad. This I know. I try but I am just not funny! I guess God created me to be the one to laugh at the jokes.

I spend my days teaching school, chasing after Wyatt, washing dishes, editing pictures. Lots and lot of pictures. Love it and wouldn't trade being a wife and mom for anything!

Here's my recent newborn favorite:

another new favorite

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love the songs from Sovereign Grace Music. They take the truths from Scripture and make beautiful worship songs that honor the Savior! And it thrills my heart when I hear my children singing these songs around the house. Here's another new favorite!



Have Mercy on Me

I am a sinner; You’re blameless, Lord
My sins against You can’t be ignored
They will be punished, I know they must
Your law demands it, for You are just
Pre-Chorus
If You would count
Everything that I’ve done wrong
Who could stand?
But there’s forgiveness with You, God

Chorus
Have mercy on me, have mercy on me
A broken and a contrite heart
You won’t turn away
Have mercy on me, have mercy on me
Because of Your steadfast love

Verse 2
Father of mercy, You gave Your Son
To make atonement for wrongs I have done
What You required, Jesus fulfilled
I don’t deserve it—I never will

Music and words by Dale Bischof and Pat Sczebel
© 2011 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)/Sovereign Grace

adorable

This little sweetie had so much hair and was just adorable. She is only seven days old and it was such fun to snuggle with her this morning.

today

took photos of this little cutie this morning and then celebrated Christmas (a few days late) with the Miller side. It was a good day!

from my kids

kaci turns five today

Happy, happy birthday sweet Kaci! We love you so much!

Christmas party

We had a great time last night at our homeschool Christmas party. Twelve eager (?) volunteers delighted us with some holiday humor about homeschooling! Hope you enjoy!

update

Well the blog has been neglected lately. Not much I can do about that. I have been busy with photo orders and trying to get everyone's cards before the holiday rush begins. Just wanted to post a quick hello and let you know that things will be back in order soon. (at least I hope!)

Here's little man, posing for the lens I am trying out.

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My favorite Christmas song! It has been playing on a regular basis in our home over the past couple of weeks. How beautiful! We got to see Andrew Peterson in concert in Louisville on Friday evening and had a wonderful time.

happy birthday, baby boy

Our baby is one. Let the celebrating begin!

background

[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead

[Verse 1:]
It's evident you run the show, so let me back down
You take the leading role, and I'll play the background
I know I miss my cues, know I forget my lines
I'm sticking to your script, and I'm reading all your signs
I don't need my name in lights, I don't need a starring role
Why gain the whole wide world, If I'm just going lose my soul
And my ways ain't purified, don't live according to Your Word
I can't endure this life without Your wisdom being heard
So word to every dance, a foe, a pop star
'Cause we all play the background, but mine's a rockstar
Yeah, so if you need me I'll be stage right
Praying the whole world will start embracing stage fright
So let me fall back, stop giving my suggestions
'Cause when I follow my obsessions, I end up confessing
That I'm not that impressive, matter of fact
I'm who I are, a trail of stardust leading to the superstar

[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead

[Verse 2:]
I had a dream that I was captain of my soul
I was master of my fate, lost control. and then I sank
So I don't want to take the lead, 'cause I'm prone to make mistakes
All the folks who follow me, going end up in the wrong place
So let me just shadow you, let me trace your lines
Matter of fact, just take my pen, here, you create my rhymes
'Cause if I do this by myself, I'm scared that I'll succeed
And no longer trust in you, 'cause I only trust in me
And see, that's how you end up headed to destruction
Paving a road to nowhere, pour your life out for nothing
You pulled my card, I'm bluffing, You know what's in my hand
Me, I'm just going to trust you, You cause the dice to land
I'm in control of nothing, follow you at any cost
Some call it sovereign will, all I know is you the boss
Man, I'm so at ease, I'm so content
I'll play the background, like it's an instrument

[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead

[Bridge:]
I know I'm safest when I'm in Your will, and trust Your Word
I know I'm dangerous when I trust myself, my vision blurred
And I ain't got no time to play life's foolish games
Got plenty aims, but do they really Glorify Your name
And it's a shame, the way I want to do these things for You
Don't even cling to you, take time to sit and gleam from You
Seems You were patient in my ignorance
If ignorance is bliss, it's 'cause she never heard of this

[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead

[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead.

fall in love with the orphans

"Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend that they are not real until you hold them in your arms. But once you do-everything changes" -David Platt

home school blues

my kids had a photo shoot

I never seem to take enough photos of my kids so yesterday afternoon we pulled it off. The light was perfect around 5:30 so I asked Taj if he would be willing to help. He said he would even though there was a baseball game on. (what a sweet husband) We ran out and accomplished our goal within 30 min. Yeah! Wyatt was very fussy and wanted to eat so we didn't get any photos of him alone but that's okay.

go into all the world

Tears of the Saints from AsiaLink HistoryMaker on Vimeo.

horses

Grazzin wanted some photos of horses for his room so we took the family out driving around this evening and tried to get some shots. It was so fun! Never really tried to photograph animals before so I enjoyed the challenge. Can't wait for Grazzin to see them tomorrow. Now to figure out a unique way to display them in his room. Any ideas?
















The kids got so tickled about this horse. Looked like someone stuck him inside the building and he was begging to get out. Taj was talking like he was the horse and the kids lost it!

the gospel